Regulations

Governor Signs Bill Requiring Limo Safety Inspections

In the wake of a limousine fire on the San Mateo Bridge that trapped and killed a bride and four other women, Gov. Jerry Brown said Tuesday that he had signed legislation requiring fire extinguishers on board and inspections by the California Highway Patrol.

Update From LCT:Greater California Livery Association President Rich Azzolino told LCT Tuesday that the inspection fee rates still need to be determined by the California Highway Patrol, and the GCLA will participate in discussions over the next few months to set up a fee structure.

“We are going to be 100% part of how it’s going to be done,” Azzolino said. “Hopefully, we can convince them it will be cheap. We have to sit at the table and discuss it.”The livery plate elimination spares limousine operators a weeks-long hassle involved in registering new fleet vehicles. Operators can immediately get a commercial license plate from the Department of Motor Vehicles when presenting a livery letter of authorization from the California Public Utilities Commission, Azzolino explained. The DMV keeps commercial plates in stock, whereas livery plates never were and had to be mailed to operators. With a commercial plate on the vehicle, operators can get the necessary airport access transponders and permits.